'Chaotic' roadworks in Devon spark council apology

Drivers have faced delays of more than an hour to their journeys

Roadworks have caused "mayhem" and have forced a council to apologise and take action.

Devon County Council has apologised for the inconvenience caused by the roadworks at Barnstaple's Cedars roundabout.

Residents said the 20-week scheme to build a pedestrian crossing had "clogged up" traffic in the area.

The council advised motorists to work from home or to take alternative routes and use other methods of travel.

Paul Bates described the roadworks as "chaotic"

Paul Bates, who lives in nearby Fremington, said: "It has been chaotic on the road system. It has been clogged up from early in the morning through to most of the day at times.

"People are unhappy and the word anger would be appropriate. It has caused a lot of mayhem.

"The traffic light system is working more appropriately now with a gentleman down there controlling the lights."

Selaine Saxby, Conservative MP for North Devon, said: "The concern is that these roadworks are scheduled for 20 weeks. We cannot have many days like the first day of these roadworks where we have two-hour delays.

"I have had complaints from schools, from colleges with students being late.

"I have had companies with 35 members of staff arriving late and leaving early to get home."

Ms Saxby said it would make more sense to carry out the roadworks at night.

Michael Ridd, manager of the Old Barn Inn said there had been a "dip in trade"

Michael Ridd, manager of the Old Barn Inn, said there had been "a dip in trade with regards to our food".

He said he would usually expect to see about 35 customers booked in for food, but that number had gone down to eight due to the roadworks.

"There is a big difference. It is going to put people off unfortunately," he said.

Frank Biederman, the Independent councillor for Fremington on Devon County Council, said: "This is just a farce in all honesty. Devon County Council have let them down. They need to see it for themselves and sort it out."

'Working from home'

Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council's cabinet member for Highways, said he recognised the roadworks had been "particularly frustrating for many people".

He said: "For the time being, where possible, people should consider working from home, starting their journey earlier, travelling at a different time of day, use a different form of transport or use a different route.

"I apologise for any inconvenience caused and please be assured that every effort is being made to remedy the situation and improve traffic flow during the course of these works."